Candidates vying in the upcoming West Kabras ward by-election, scheduled for February 26, have today undergone briefing sessions organized by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The sessions aimed to familiarize aspirants with the electoral procedures and ensure a smooth nomination process set for Thursday and Friday this week.

Malava Constituency Returning Officer, Salim Abdala, addressed the aspirants during the session, expressing confidence that the election would be conducted peacefully. He assured that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to guarantee an organized process across the 25 polling centers within the ward.

Abdala emphasized that the exercise would target approximately 11,000 registered voters, whose participation is crucial in determining the next representative for West Kabras ward. He urged candidates and voters alike to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, emphasizing peace and transparency at every stage.

Among the contestants are Elphas Shalakha of UDA, Niva Musa representing DAP Kenya, Edward Inzofu of ODM, along with three other candidates. All are vying to fill the vacancy left by David Ndakwa, who recently won the parliamentary seat following the death of Malulu Injendi.

The vacancy arose after Ndakwa secured the Member of Parliament position, prompting the by-election in West Kabras ward. The contest has attracted significant attention, with residents eager to elect a candidate who will represent their interests effectively.

In a related development, IEBC has announced that Malava Boys High School will serve as the official tallying center for the election. This decision was made after careful assessment and consultations, despite its location within Shirugu Mugai ward, neighboring West Kabras.

The commission explained that West Kabras currently lacks a suitable facility that meets the required standards for tallying activities. Criteria considered included the availability of a perimeter wall, a spacious hall, adequate sanitation facilities, and parking space—factors essential for ensuring the security and efficiency of the counting process.

IEBC officials noted that the choice of Malava Boys High School as the tallying center underscores their commitment to conducting a credible and transparent election. The commission also reassured the public of their preparedness to handle the logistics and security arrangements necessary for a smooth process.

As the election date approaches, the focus remains on voter education, peaceful campaigns, and adherence to electoral regulations. Stakeholders remain optimistic that the by-election will be conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and orderly manner, reflecting the democratic will of the people of West Kabras ward.